📢 I saw fascism taking root in my backyard, and it was terrifying
🗽We're punching back! Join us to advocate for Freedom Over Fascism-our rights, freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law.
There are moments in life that hit you like a punch to the gut, leaving you breathless and knowing that nothing will ever be the same. For me, living in Florida for over 30 years, witnessing the rise of the MAGA cult has been a series of those gut-wrenching moments.
One of the most haunting experiences was visiting Homestead Airforce Base and looking out at over 3,000 children who had been torn from their families by the Trump administration. I saw fascism taking root in my backyard, and it was terrifying.
Another moment was when I joined over ten buses filled with students, teachers, and parents heading to Tallahassee to demand action on gun violence after 17 innocent lives were stolen in Parkland at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day. The lawmakers’ response? They snickered, ignored, and outright disrespected the grieving families who had come to them seeking solutions. Meanwhile, the top gun lobbyist was treated like a celebrity, with lawmakers fawning over her. It was a sickening display of priorities.
And it didn’t stop there. Over time, we watched as our rights to protect our air, water, healthcare, housing, and more were systematically stripped away by the extremists in Tallahassee. It became clear that Florida, once a beacon of diversity and opportunity, was turning into a testing ground for the most radical elements of the MAGA agenda. Florida is home to Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Matt Gaetz, and other radicals who don't want to represent us-they want to rule over us.
People often ask, “Why should we care about Florida?” The answer is simple: what happens in Florida doesn’t stay in Florida. Florida is ground zero for the MAGA experiment—book bans, trans bans, voting restrictions, union bans, protest bans, medicaid bans, and more. It’s all being cooked up in Florida before being exported to the rest of the country. If you’re worried about fascism rising in your state, please consider stopping it’s rise in Florida.
And then there’s Senator Rick Scott, running for re-election. If he wins, we’re all in danger. Scott wants to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, strip away protections for pre-existing conditions, gut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and deport community members who have lived and worked among us for decades. He’s a key supporter of Project 2025, which aims to raise taxes on the poor and middle class to give more breaks to his billionaire buddies. If Scott wins, the consequences won’t just be felt in Florida—they’ll ripple across the nation.
Finally, let me tell you about another reason why Florida needs your help. In 2018, a ballot flaw in Broward County led to a recount. What should have been a routine process turned into a media circus, with MAGA cultists bused in, well-organized, and ready for a showdown. It was terrifying to see how quickly they mobilized to spread lies and attempt to subvert our democracy. I and others mobilized to counter their lies and rhetoric (see photo below). We need to ensure that every vote is counted and that no one is allowed to undermine the will of the people.
Florida’s fight is America’s fight
Advocating for candidates in Florida isn’t just about helping one state—it’s about shaping the future of our entire country. Every election, no matter where it takes place, is an opportunity to build a government that works for all Americans. Please, for the sake of our democracy, let’s help Florida get out the vote.
Let’s make sure that when history looks back at this moment, it sees that we stood up, fought back, and won.
Today’s Calls-to-Action
Join us to write voters in Florida:
Where to get Postcards: People Power United now offers postcards! Check out our newest design(s) here. Your purchase helps our People Power efforts. You are also welcome to use plain cardstock or order cards from Etsy or Amazon; the postcard designs and where to order them are entirely up to you.
Where to request addresses, instructions, and scripts: You can request addresses, instructions, and scripts here.
Click here to signup to text for Debbie Mucarsel-Powell who is running to replace Rick Scott in the Senate.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for being the embodiment of people power. Together, we can continue to push boundaries and make a real difference.
You’re Invited!
Our communities are stronger when we come together, united in purpose and determined to uplift everyone in our communities to vote and thrive. I hope you can join us at one of our upcoming People Power United events:
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https://www.mobilize.us/peoplepowerunited/event/643588/Progressive Issues Activism
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People Power United Updates
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Everyone deserves to vote and thrive,
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people. The 2024 election depends on us, and we are attempting to persuade people to vote for Freedom over Fascism. If you wish to support our efforts, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.